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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I visited city named UK's worst place to live and one thing is misunderstood'
Despite its reputation as the 'worst place to live', Yorkshire Live reporter Samantha Teasdale found herself pleasantly surprised as she strolled through the city of Hull. While basking in the warm sunshine, a gentle breeze made it comfortable enough for her to explore the bustling streets with pride flags fluttering from numerous buildings. Having been warned of what to expect before leaving, Samantha arrived with trepidation. But instead she was met with a bustling city that charmed her. Arriving on a day when the city's university graduates were celebrating in gowns and caps, she looked back fondly on her own time as a student. Samantha said: "Memories of my own graduation brought a smile to my face, quickly replaced by the realisation that finding a quiet place to eat would be akin to Mission Impossible. "Luckily, just before reaching the marina, I stumbled upon Furley and Co., which had available tables inside. One glance at their menu and I knew I had to try the steak sarnie. "Served in toasted ciabatta with garlic butter, caramelised onions, melted cheddar and mozzarella cheese, it came with house slaw and garlic and rosemary potato wedges. It was the brunch of my dreams, featuring all my favourites (minus the onions, which I requested to be left out). "For a mere £18.50, including a drink, it was well worth it. The portion size was just right and it was easy to eat - no mess!" Once she'd had her fill of food in the city, Samantha strolled down to the marina. What would otherwise have been a serene scene was disturbed by ongoing construction - but this didn't deter her from enjoying the rest of the city. Samantha discovered a number of hidden gems tucked behind the work sites, including cafes and restaurants. As she continued, she found an ice cream parlour called Tasty that was perfect for the weather. Samantha opted for a 'Mr Whippy' with a flake. Despite being charged 50p for the topping, which is usually complimentary, she then found a relaxing scene at the waterfront. She said: "Contentedly perched on a bench by the aquarium at the marina, I gazed out at the sea and pondered how Hull seemed rather pleasant. Could it really be such a terrible place to live? "Granted, the construction isn't the most appealing sight, but it's temporary and often aimed at enhancing the area in the long run, even if it appears unsightly at present. After a period of relaxation, I had just enough time to delve deeper into the city. And I'm glad I did. "I stumbled upon several art galleries and museums that evoked memories of London's Trafalgar Square, albeit remarkably clean and tidy. It was free from graffiti and evidently well-maintained. "I would have loved to have visited the museums, art galleries and numerous shopping centres but it was time to head back and catch the train home. However, I can say for certain that I would love to return and explore the things that I missed on my stroll, as Hull holds many secrets and there are plenty of hidden shops to discover. "There is a lot of good in Hull, and although I probably didn't venture into the 'rough parts', I believe it's a place that is misunderstood and striving to rejuvenate itself."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Man gets revenge on neighbour who complains about Union Jack flag in garden
The 66-year-old initially flew a Union Jack flag in his garden as a 'tribute to his country' but took it down after he received a complaint from a neighbour. Now he's got petty revenge A man who was forced to take a Union Jack flag down from his garden after a neighbour's complaint has got his own back. 'Market man' Colin, hoisted the flag out of love for his country but faced pressure to take it down after a neighbour lodged a complaint with the council. When quizzed about the dispute, the bloke, who poses wearing a suit covered in Union Jacks on his TikTok profile, said: "It's what people do these days; they complain about everything." The awkward situation quickly went viral online, which spurred Colin to take further action with a petty vendetta against the angry neighbour. Refusing to back down, the 66-year-old bought a mammoth-sized Union Jack and hoisted it on a ridiculously tall flagpole for the world to see. A clip of him erecting the oversized flag has now amassed over a million views on TikTok, Lancs Live reports. In the viral video, a woman can be heard sounding shocked as Colin puts the flag up. "It's gonna be too big Col. Oh my god," she warned, to which Colin wittily responded: "Well, I took this flag down because someone didn't like it. So I've only brought a bigger one, look." He jokingly cautioned: "So if they complain again you know what I'm gonna do. I'll get an even bigger one." In response, some TikTok commenters praised the move, with one writing: "Hoist that beautiful flag high. I salute the flag and you, sir" and another adding "You should be allowed to fly this country's flag, good on you mate." Another social media user joked: "I'm going to complain that the flag pole isn't tall enough, you need to get a taller flagpole for the bigger Union Jack flag, so people further away can see it and appreciate it." Meanwhile, someone else spotted: "Great but it's upside down, wide white stripe should be on top against the flag pole." Colin has now started flogging Union Jack flags on TikTok shop after his video went viral. It comes as households have been warned they could be slapped with a £2,500 fine if they break the rules around flying flags. The government allows certain flags to be flown from rooftops of any size, provided they meet specific criteria. It stipulates all flags must be kept in a safe condition, reports Yorkshire Live. You must also have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed (this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land). It must not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport. It should be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority. However, if you plan to fly the flag from a pole extending from any part of a building other than the roof, the rules become more stringent. The Town and Country Planning Regulations 2007 stipulate maximum sizes for flags flown on your house if they're on a pole, not on the roof. The government adds: "The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size. No restrictions on the size of characters. Consent is required if the flagpole is in a controlled area." The flag has been at the forefront of conversation in recent days after a schoolgirl was placed in school isolation for wearing a Union Jack dress. Courtney Wright, a high-achieving 12-year-old who attends Bilton School in Rugby, was left feeling "so embarrassed" after turning up to the planned cultural celebration on Friday to be told her union flag dress was "unacceptable". Her family blasted the school after learning she had been segregated from her friends due to her choice of attire, adding that the straight A student "couldn't understand what she'd done wrong". In response to the fury, the school apologised. A spokesman for Stowe Valley Trust said: "At Bilton School, we are proud of the diversity of our students and the rich heritage they bring to our community. We are committed to fostering an environment where every pupil feels respected, valued, and included. "On Friday 11th July, an incident occurred during our Culture Celebration Day that caused considerable upset to one of our pupils, her family, and members of the wider community. "We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies. We have since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. "We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that every student feels recognised and supported when expressing pride in their heritage. "As a school, we are reviewing our policies and strengthening staff training to ensure our practices reflect our values of inclusion, respect, and understanding for all."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Brits warned they could be fined £2,500 for flying flags including Union Jack
The government has eased restrictions on flying flags, including not only the Union Jack but also the national flags of England and Wales - but falling foul of the rules could result in a fine The Union Jack has been in the limelight this week following an incident in which a 12-year-old girl was put in isolation for wearing the flag to school. However, as the government promotes increased flag displays across the country, households should be mindful of certain rules that, if breached, could lead to a hefty £2,500 fine. The Government has relaxed restrictions on flying flags, including not only the Union Jack but also the national flags of England, Wales, Ireland and indeed any other country. Even county flags, such as Yorkshire's, are being encouraged to fly more frequently as part of the Government's initiative. 'We stayed overnight at this castle's medieval-themed hotel and the kids loved it' It's worth noting that the Union Jack is often referred to as 'the Union Flag' - both terms are acceptable despite the Jack's maritime origins, but they must still be displayed in line with the law to avoid fines. The guidelines for rooftop flag displays are fairly flexible. The government allows certain flags to be flown from rooftops of any size, provided they meet specific criteria. It stipulates all flags must be kept in a safe condition, reports Yorkshire Live. Furthermore, it must have the permission of the owner of the site on which they are displayed (this includes the Highway Authority if the sign is to be placed on highway land). It must not obscure, or hinder the interpretation of official road, rail, waterway or aircraft signs, or otherwise make hazardous the use of these types of transport. It should be removed carefully where so required by the planning authority. Where flags can be flown without needing permission Any national flag, civil ensign or civil air ensign from any country. The flag of the Commonwealth, the United Nations or any other international organisation of which the United Kingdom is a member. A flag representing any island, county, district, borough, burgh, parish, city, town or village within the United Kingdom. The flag of the Black Country, East Anglia, Wessex, any part of Lincolnshire, any Riding of Yorkshire or any historic county within the United Kingdom. The flag of Saint David (Wales). The flag of Saint Patrick (Ireland). The flag of any administrative area within any country outside the United Kingdom. Any flag belonging to His Majesty's forces. The Armed Forces Day flag. The government further clarifies: "There are no restrictions on the size of flag." However, if you plan to fly the flag from a pole extending from any part of a building other than the roof, the rules become more stringent. The Town and Country Planning Regulations 2007 stipulate maximum sizes for flags flown on your house if they're on a pole, not on the roof. The government adds: "The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size. No restrictions on the size of characters. Consent is required if the flagpole is in a controlled area." Permission is needed if you reside in a designated controlled zone, such as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Failing to comply with these rules could result in individuals being reported and potentially hit with fines of up to £2,500 for ignoring local council orders to remove an oversized flag. The law states: "A person displaying an advertisement in contravention of these Regulations shall be liable, on summary conviction of an offence under section 224(3) of the Act, to a fine of an amount not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale and, in the case of a continuing offence, one tenth of level 4 on the standard scale [£2,500] for each day during which the offence continues after conviction."
Daily Record
17-07-2025
- Daily Record
'We found a theme park much cheaper than Alton Towers with no queues'
Gulliver's Kingdom is a far cry from the likes of Alton Towers and Drayton Manor, but it has a charm all of its own, according to Megan Shaw The summer holidays have arrived, and countless parents are looking for ways to entertain their children without spending a fortune. Theme parks are a go-to during the summer months, yet they can be quite costly and notoriously crowded, leading to more time queuing than enjoying the attractions. Yorkshire Live reporter Megan Shaw has visited a fair share of theme parks, including Alton Towers and Drayton Manor, only to often leave feeling let down. She said: "I've noticed that such places tend to trigger tantrums, at least with my two children. They become overexcited, the parks are too busy, there's too much going on, too many people around and I invariably leave thinking we would have had a more enjoyable day simply visiting the local park." With entry fees pushing past £100 for a family of four, not accounting for the additional costs of food, drinks, ice creams, and the inevitable splurge in the gift shop, a nice day out amounts to a hefty sum. So when Megan discovered a hidden gem of a theme park right on the Yorkshire border, by the Peak District National Park, promising equal enjoyment without the overcrowding, she was eager to check it out. "My children are fans of amusement rides, but they detest waiting in line," she wrote. "Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock Bath has received high praise on Tripadvisor, with visitors noting the absence of large crowds allows for more frequent turns on the rides compared to larger, more popular parks." They decided to see if Gulliver's Kingdom lived up to its reputation. Following a car journey of roughly an hour and a half from Huddersfield, they reached Matlock Bath. "As we entered the park, we noticed that the parking lots were arranged on various levels along the steep incline. The parking areas were incredibly crowded, leading us to park at the very top lot. The number of cars initially made me doubt whether our day out would be relaxing. However, my concerns were alleviated when we reached the entrance and were able to walk straight in." To her children's dismay, the log flume - the attraction they'd been most eager to experience - was closed for maintenance, though they quickly found there was no shortage of alternative entertainment. "Gulliver's Kingdom is clearly designed with younger children in mind. While there are no headline-grabbing rides, there is ample entertainment for the little ones." Despite this, her eldest child, a nine-year-old boy, had an absolute blast. Their day kicked off with the spinning barrels attraction, which her youngsters enjoyed so much they had another go thanks to the peaceful atmosphere. "We then moved on to the Drop Tower, which my eldest couldn't get enough of - he went on it at least four times. This was a major plus point as usually, long queues at other parks make multiple rides impossible. Next, we all hopped onto the Chair Lift in Adventure Land. It was not only fun but also provided us with a panoramic view of the entire park, helping us decide our next stop. "The Chair Lift proved to be an efficient way to navigate the hilly park, along with the travellator which was a hit with the kids. The steep walks between rides could be challenging for those pushing prams, but for us, it was a great way to clock in some steps. Despite the number of cars in the car park, we never had to queue for more than a couple of minutes - a blessing when you have an impatient three year old constantly asking 'Is it my turn now?'" Her partner and older son were fans of the relatively new Riggers Revenge zip line course that races you along the edge of the hillside, offering thrills as well as lovely views of the Derbyshire countryside. Megan pointed out that riders have to be 110cm to ride it, which meant her youngest wasn't able to. "The log rollercoaster was a firm favourite with my youngest, who loved the twists, dips and turns. We all went on this together at least three times back to back. The pirate ship in Smuggler's Wharf was a huge hit with everyone too. Both kids also loved the Crows Nest Quest area which featured high ropes and rock climbing for the older ones and a mini version for the smaller ones, which my three-year-old loved. "As well as the rides there are parks and play areas dotted around as you walk from each attraction and ample places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. The unique layout means you barely cross paths with other families and nothing is overly busy. We stopped off for a bite to eat grabbing a toastie, two hot dogs, four drinks and four ice creams and it came to around £25 - which we thought was fairly reasonable." Megan mentioned that for families planning a visit, they could cut costs by packing a picnic and being more organised, as there are plenty of spots to settle down. She concluded that the park offered great value for money, especially considering how much her children enjoyed themselves without her having to spend a fortune. "It's a little dated in areas and could certainly use a lick of paint, but there's some great rides to appease younger children. Teenagers would probably be less impressed but there's no denying it caters brilliantly to its target audience. No, it's not Alton Towers, but nor is the price tag." The mum recommends opting for an afternoon pass which allows you three hours of fun from 2pm to 5pm from just £14 per person, suggesting it's an ideal choice if you're not after a full day out and that this time frame is ample to experience everything on offer. On the gate prices at Gulliver's are £27, compared to Alton Towers which charge £68 for walk-ins. However, it's worth noting that both parks offer discounts if you book in advance. This brings the Gulliver's price down to £23, while peak time tickets for Alton Towers can be bought for £37. Both parks also offer free tickets for kids under 90cm in height. "Overall, it was a really nice day out that was fun for the kids, stress-free for the adults and didn't break the bank. So if you're looking for a day out that ticks all the boxes this summer, I'd definitely recommend giving Gulliver's Kingdom a try," Megan concluded.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
UK drivers urged to do 'strange' thing during the heatwave
Temperatures are expected to soar again this weekend The UK is set to sizzle once more this weekend, amid the third heatwave of the year. While many relish the balmy weather, it can also bring about a host of problems. This is particularly true when it comes to your car, van or other vehicle. With the mercury set to rise to over 30C again, car experts at Budget Insurance are offering drivers important tips on what they say are essential maintenance checks they need to perform before hitting the open road. Here's what you need to check in your car during this weekend's heatwave, including one 'strange' action: Inspect your battery Scorching temperatures can be more damaging to your battery than cooler ones, causing internal harm and shortening its lifespan, reports Yorkshire Live. If your vehicle is taking longer than usual to start and the interior lights are dimming as you crank the engine, it might be time for a new battery, especially if it's over three years old. Keep an eye on your tyres Tyres tend to expand in hot weather, which can lead to the rubber cracking and heighten the risk of a blowout. Make sure all your tyres are up to UK and EU standards by having a tread depth of at least 1.6mm. It's also crucial to inflate your tyres to the correct pressure. Underinflated tyres increase drag on the wheels, making the engine work harder and guzzle more fuel, and are another culprit behind blowouts. Top up your fluids Your coolant is key to preventing your engine from overheating during the hotter months, so it's essential to check its level more often, particularly before embarking on a lengthy trip. The experts advised: "Strange as it may sound, you should top it up with both water and antifreeze, because a lack of the latter could damage your engine when temperatures begin to drop." Use your air conditioning wisely In sweltering conditions, it might be worth leaving your car doors and windows open for a brief period before setting off, rather than immediately switching on your air conditioning. This can help cut costs and boost engine efficiency. For shorter trips, driving with the windows down instead of using the air con could be more economical. It's also sensible to park in shaded spots to keep your vehicle cool, reducing the initial need for air conditioning. Plan your route Do some homework on the locations of service stations and charging points along your journey. EV drivers can use apps like Chargemap, Chargepoint and Octopus Electroverse to plan their routes. Chris Lawson, head of car insurance at Budget Insurance, emphasised the importance of vehicle maintenance during the summer months: "With tens of millions of leisure journeys made by car over the summer months, motorists should ensure their vehicle is roadworthy before they set off, whether on holiday or for a day trip. "Cars can struggle at this time of year, contending with hot temperatures and traffic jams, so it's important that drivers do all they can to minimise the risk of breaking down."
